Ralf Rangnick: "We want to get off to a good start”

Head coach Ralf Rangnick speaks before the first leg of the Europa League qualifier against CS U Caiova | Forsberg an option after his return from Sweden | Mukiele back in training | Laimer and Upamecano will miss out

Before Die Roten Bullen’s first-leg against the Romanian top-flight side CS Universitatea Craiova, head coach Ralf Rangnick expressed his views about the upcoming match and looks towards the squad’s situation for the home fixture.

Ralf Rangnick:

“Of course we want to come out with a good result in the first leg and will play with the best XI possible. The best-case scenario is that we score some goals, give ourselves a comfortable cushion and head into the second leg in a good position. The match fits our current plans very well and in the upcoming games we want to see where we stand. Craiova are a technically strong side - they are always on the lookout for creative ways to solve problems and are deadly going forward. As a result, we’ve made sure our boys are prepared.

We have already had a minor experience with this weather, since the match against Häcken was quite similar, so we’ve been able to familiarise ourselves to the conditions ﻿in a way﻿. However, the opposition must try and cope with these conditions too.

Tomorrow we have a few more options than when we played against Häcken. Nordi Mukiele trained without any problems and will be in the squad, as too will Emil Forsberg. The lads that went to the World Cup are on track, but are not quite at the same level as the others yet. Marcel Sabitzer is also progressing well. The game is too early for Konrad Laimer and Dayot Upamecano, who we plan to reintroduce to training on Monday.”

The World Cup players Yussuf Poulson and Emil Forsberg are also ready…

…such as Nordi Mukiele who has overcome an adductor problem

Squad Update:

Emil Forsberg will return to the squad tomorrow following a trip to Sweden for the birth of his daughter.

Nordi Mukiele is training without any issues and will be an option for tomorrow.

Konrad Laimer and Dayot Upamecano will miss out against Craiova and are expected to return to training on Monday.